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County commissioners announced in Monday’s meeting that the interim EMS director position had been filled by Ed Debesis of Beloit.

“He has previous experience in being a director,” commissioner Randy Dallke said, “so he’s a very qualified individual.”

Debesis, who is employed by Lifeteam of Newton, also works for Hoisington EMS.

He was EMS director for Mitchell County EMS from 2008 to 2014. Mitchell County EMS covers 720 square miles and is located 65 miles northwest of Salina.

Although an interim has been found, commissioners said that consultant Terry David, who had been filling in as interim, will continue to guide them in decisions on EMS matters.

“He’s just got such a wealth of knowledge and experience,” secretary Tina Spencer said after the meeting. “I’d imagine they’d keep him on for a couple more months.”

Commissioners said they hope to have Debesis starting this week.

“All we want right now is an interim so we can get someone in place,” chairman Dan Holub said.

In other business:

Commissioners approved purchase of a 2016 Ford Explorer for $28,075 plus expenses for a two package to replace the 1994 Ford Crown Victoria multiple county departments had been using.

A bid from APAC of Hutchinson was approved for $389,187.50 for the Nighthawk and 130th Rds. high-risk road project in 2016. The county will pay $44,000, with the remainder to be paid by Kansas Department of Transportation.